Date of Birth: September 26, 1898 Place of Birth: New York, New York Date of Death: July 11, 1937 Birth Name: Jacob Gershowitz
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George Gershwin was born to a Russian-Jewish immigrant family in Brooklyn, New York on September 26, 1898.(4) He was the second child of four and took great interest in his brother Ira’s piano when he was young being able to play music by ear. He took piano lessons at 12 years old and quit high school at age 15 in order to pursue his musical interests. (3) He took a job on “Tin Pan Alley” with the Jerome Remick Company in order to get more musical exposure in 1919 to successful songs and, after his second year of employment, he had his first song published, "When You Want 'Em You Can't Get 'Em.” (1) Success immediately followed with the use of his song “Swanee” performed by Al Jolsen in the Broadway musical Sinbad and his first Broadway musical score for the show “La La Lucille.”
In 1924, George experienced his greatest musical success with the hit song Rhapsody in Blue, which is still performed by orchestras
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today. (2) At this time, George also teamed up with his brother lyricist Ira and together they began to dominate Broadway as songwriters and composers for several musical comedies. They wrote musical scores for many famous stage performers, such as Fred and Adele Astaire, W.C. Fields, Ruby Keeler, Jimmy Durante, and Bob Hope. (4) They then went on to Hollywood to provide music for films, which was used with great performers, such as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, putting dance steps and vocals to the pieces. (3) While in Hollywood, George had one failure with Porgy and Bess, which closed shortly after opening. This later became one of his most famous operas, which had been written for plays, movies, and television productions. While in Hollywood, George began to have frequent headaches, which started to interfere with his performances. (4) When encouraged by family to see a doctor, he was informed that he had a brain tumor. They attempted to operate on the tumor unsuccessfully, and George died a tragic life on July 11, 1937.
George Gershwin’s music is still very popular today and is used in commercials, movies, and plays. His music is also taught to students because it can help give exposure to orchestral arrangements. (2)
Biography of George Gershwin
Date of Birth: September 26, 1898
Place of Birth: New York, New York
Date of Death: July 11, 1937
Birth Name: Jacob Gershowitz
In 1924, George experienced his greatest musical success with the hit song Rhapsody in Blue, which is still performed by orchestras
George Gershwin’s music is still very popular today and is used in commercials, movies, and plays. His music is also taught to students because it can help give exposure to orchestral arrangements. (2)
Works Consulted
1. "George Gershwin." PBS. Public Broadcasting Service. 7 Mar. 2008 <http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/database/gershwin_g.html >.
2. Jolley, J. Clark. "Biography for George Gershwin." Gershwin Fan. 7 Mar. 2008 <http://www.gershwinfan.com/biogeorge.html>.
3. Stephan, Ed. "Bio for George Gershwin." IMDB. Internet Movie Database. 7 Mar. 2008 <http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0006097/bio>.
4. "Two Brothers Make History." Gershwin. George and Ira Gershwin Official Web Site. 7 Mar. 2008 <http://www.gershwin.com/>.